Blooming marvellous: how to pick the right flowers for Mother's Day

“Everyone has their favourite flower – one that brings back memories, a shape that’s particularly loved or perhaps a specific fragrance,” says the florist Philippa Craddock. “Getting it right for your mum will make her feel loved and will earn you plenty of points.”

If you’re not sure about her most favoured bloom, Craddock suggests matching colours with her personality. “For a gentle, nurturing mother, go for a bouquet full of calming pinks, cream or yellows. For an extrovert mum, a bunch full of unique, eclectic and fun colours might work better. And for really stylish mothers, choose bold tones, such as deep reds, aubergines and hot pinks.”

A pre-arranged bouquet is best for a classic, fuss-free mum, adds Sara Gordon of Bloom & Wild. “Meanwhile, flowers that come ready to be arranged are the perfect choice for the DIY kind of mum, who likes making arranging a family affair with the kids on Sunday. It creates the perfect opportunity to create posies and mini bouquets in small mason jars and milk bottles.”

Then there’s the unconventional mama. “This mum will appreciate lesser known flowers like eryngium, calla lilies and wax flower. Also look for interesting foliage like branches, firecracker stems, pussy willow and ivy, which comes with tiny berries,” maintains Sara Gordon.

“Remember that round, compact bouquets have a more contemporary feel, whereas traditionally arranged hand-tied flowers have a softer look,” adds Interflora florist Janet Boast, of Going Dutch.

Don’t be fooled by the flowers your mum actually buys, warns Mairead Curtin of Rebel Rebel. “She may get chrysanthemums every week, not because they’re her favourite flower but because they’re cheap, conveniently available in Sainsbury’s, and last ages.

“Her real favourites might be Lily of the Valley because she had it in her wedding bouquet, or hydrangea because her gran had them in the garden. Alternatively, she might really love garden roses, but they’re not that easy to get hold of. So do a bit of sleuthing before ordering.”

You may not just have to think of your own mum, but of your partner’s mother too — or even your own partner if she’s a mum, acknowledges Rebbie Wellwood Green from the Real Flower Company, whose advice is to always “go seasonal”.

“At the moment, anything with a medley of gorgeous bright spring flowers such as anemones, narcissi, ranunculus, tulips and bright foliages and herbs is the key and also keeps the price down — perhaps meaning you can maybe pair it with a beautiful jug, chocolates or scented candle so that there is also a gift to keep.”

Spring is the perfect time of the year to enjoy one of the most cheerful of all flowers — the daffodil, says florist Larry Walshe.

“They’re so simple, yet it’s so loved. “Effortless and affordable, you can really go wild with these and bunch them into a large design or simply grab a few stems,” maintains Larry Walshe.